I guess anytime you open your phone or computer, algorithms are, if not helping you, then at least making your user experience more seamless. Even things that were already pretty easy, like googling stuff, have become smoother with AI summaries. What I have really found helpful in a more profound way is coding. I use it a lot for work and have become much faster and more creative. Not because the AI does the thinking for me, but because I spend fewer cognitive resources figuring out gnarly details of how to write the code and can focus more on what I want to do, then let the machine figure out how to code it. For me, this is a good blueprint for how to use AI. Try to become more productive but use AI on the tasks you do not like, so you can spend more time on the things you actually enjoy.
In the last 24 hours, algorithms helped me in a variety of unseen ways. When I unlock my phone using fingerprint recognition, an algorithm confirms my identity. Although this process feels natural, it relies on complex pattern recognition to keep my data secure. Also, while studying, search engines ranked relevant results and recommended videos or articles that suited my learning objectives. This saved time and made studying more efficient, even though I didn’t consciously think about the algorithm behind it. As it is the winter season now, there is snow outside. So, going to supermarkets to do groceries have become a huge hassle. Even when I wasn't looking, navigation applications recommended optimal routes which I used to go to the supermarkets. Even basic communication relies on algorithms. While I am typing the answers to the question for this survey, autocorrect fixed typing mistakes, and predictive text suggested words as I typed. These small interventions improved clarity and efficiency without requiring extra effort.
If I think of the past 24 hours, I can confidently say that algorithms have helped me. As an animator and graphic designer, I often have research to do before starting any project. To find inspiration, I turn to Pinterest, where I browse and save my favorite ideas. This practice has transformed my feed into a more interesting source of inspiration. Similarly, Instagram has become a precious tool for me. As a graphic designer, I can easily find tutorials, tips, and tricks related to my field through Instagram Reels. This allowed me to save time on specific searches. In the world of animation, I find myself frequently searching for videos or news about cinema and animated movies. Instagram’s algorithm has made it incredibly easy to access these resources, saving me, again, valuable time. However, there are instances where the algorithm can be a bit overwhelming. For example, if I express my thoughts or search for information on Google, I often encounter advertisements on my Instagram, Facebook, or other social media feeds. These commercials can be quite intrusive and, at times, lead to a decline in my interest in media due to their constant presence.
Well... Nowadays almost everything involves algorithms! My phone's alarm rang at 9am, I used the NFC key to open my building's lobby door and I paid for a coffee with cash, but a receipt ticket was given to me. We cannot avoid algorithms as easy as it seems, even the simplest thing involves the internet or a digital process (internet of things). Almost every product has become "smart", for instance, new TVs are connected to the internet by default ("non-smart" TVs are not easy to find), surveillance cameras are connected to the internet, cars have a digital "start" button instead of a mechanical system, when travelling abroad, a face-recognition software does the passport check automatically, everyone wants a smartwatch to track their health, an alexa assistant to turn on the lights or the trendy "RayBan Meta" glasses to record videos without being spotted. The thing is that our lives depend on those algorithms, which can be vulnerable, and almost every month there's a data-breach or cyber attack
I have been using it to write texts or job searching mainly but also for work. I'm freelancing at the moment so I am using it to write documents, presentations mostly text based things and also to create prototypes with coding.
More obviously, I used ChatGPT today as a helpful tool while working on my Master’s thesis, mainly to get guidance, better understand some ideas, and answer specific questions that came up. In this way, it helped me move forward with my work more easily. On the other hand, in a less noticeable and more routine way, I also used Google Maps yesterday to get back home, something I usually do without really thinking about it. However, even if I don’t always realize it, this app, which is part of my everyday life, also works thanks to artificial intelligence and advanced technology. I mainly use it in academic settings. When I ask questions, I try to phrase them quite specifically, clearly explaining the context and what I need, to get better answers. But I also use it in more everyday situations, like looking for recipe ideas or resolving minor day-to-day questions.
In the last 24 hours, several algorithms have supported me, even if I wasn't always aware of it. When planning the route for yesterday's basketball match, I used a navigation app that used complex algorithms to analyze traffic flow, construction sites and current traffic jams. This allowed me to choose a faster route and arrive on time without having to actively look for alternatives myself. Another example is the autocorrect in Word. When writing texts, the program automatically corrects typos, suggests suitable formulations and marks grammatical errors. These functions are based on analysis algorithms that recognize speech and compare it with large amounts of data. This saves time and significantly increases the quality of my texts. The use of AI in the formulation of a work order for today's marketing lessons is also a good example. Through AI-powered suggestions, I was able to formulate clearer tasks and better structure the work assignment without having to rethink every sentence from scratch. Last but not least, an algorithm helped me search the Internet for an article about sustainability. Search engines order and prioritize information so that relevant and trustworthy content appears first. This made my research more efficient and targeted.
I have to mention, my work is in Software, and many of my hobbies are computer related, so I’m kind of biased towards the algorithmic world. The answer is, in almost everything I did: shopping, work or planning my reading times. If an algorithm is a sequence of instructions/steps, then my brain works mostly like that.
I use algorithms on a daily basis to support my training activities. In the last 24 hours, one example is how an algorithm helped me adapt a “Human Bingo” game to fit the purposes of a training on radicalisation. It assisted me in restructuring the content, refining the prompts, and aligning the activity more closely with the learning objectives - making the exercise more relevant and effective for participants.
In the last 24 hours, algorithms have supported me in multiple small but important ways, often without me noticing at first. For example, when I checked social media, the content I saw was already filtered and prioritized based on my interests and behavior. This saved me time and helped me focus on relevant information. In my professional work, AI played a key role in researching destinations, doing quick and efficient analysis of data, and preparing presentations. It also helped me summarize tasks and provided practical suggestions that improved my decision-making and productivity. When I used maps or checked traffic conditions, algorithms optimized my route in real time. Even email filtering and spam detection quietly improved my workflow by organizing information and reducing noise. What is interesting is that most of these interactions feel natural and almost invisible. We don’t actively think about the algorithms, but they shape many of our daily decisions and significantly increase our efficiency.